Programme

Education / Early Childhood and Educational Foundations

Overview

The field of Early Childhood and Educational Foundations focuses on understanding and supporting the development and education of young children. It encompasses various disciplines, including child development, early childhood education, psychology, sociology, and educational philosophy. Here is an overview of the course:

Child Development: 

• Students learn about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age eight. They study theories of child development, observe and analyze children's behavior, and explore factors that influence development, such as family, culture, and environment.

Early Childhood Education Principles and Practices: 

• This course introduces students to the principles and practices of early childhood education. They learn about developmentally appropriate teaching strategies, curriculum design, assessment methods, and classroom management techniques for young children. The focus is on creating engaging and supportive learning environments that promote children's holistic development.

Educational Psychology: 

• Students study the psychological theories and principles that inform teaching and learning processes. They explore topics such as cognitive development, motivation, learning styles, and behavior management. The goal is to apply psychological knowledge to create effective instructional strategies and support the socio-emotional well-being of young learners.

Language and Literacy Development: 

This course focuses on the acquisition of language and literacy skills in early childhood. Students learn about the stages of language development, strategies for supporting language acquisition, and the importance of early literacy experiences. They explore methods for promoting language and literacy development, including storytelling, phonics instruction, and emergent literacy activities.

Social and Cultural Foundations of Education: 

• Students examine the sociocultural factors that shape education, particularly in early childhood. They explore issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice in educational settings. The course emphasizes understanding and valuing diverse cultural backgrounds, promoting inclusive practices, and addressing the unique needs of children from various socio-cultural contexts.

Play and Learning:

• This course explores the role of play in early childhood development and learning. Students learn about the different types of play, the benefits of play-based learning, and strategies for incorporating play into educational settings. They also study the relationship between play and cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Family and Community Engagement: 

• This course focuses on building effective partnerships between educators, families, and the community. Students learn about the importance of involving families in children's education, establishing positive home-school relationships, and collaborating with community resources to support children's learning and well-being.

Educational Policies and Advocacy: 

• Students examine the policies, laws, and regulations that impact early childhood education. They learn about advocacy strategies for promoting high-quality early childhood programs, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all children.

Few/Some of the Course Content

TED 732	FRENCH METHODS
TED 731	YORUBA METHODS
TED 730	IGBO METHODS
TED 729	THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
TED 728	ECONOMICS METHODS
TED 727	GEOGRAPHY METHODS
TED 726	HISTORY METHODS
TED 724	THE TEACHING OF LITERARY STUDIES
TED 723	LINGUISTICS FOR TEACHERS
TED 719	LANGUAGE IN SCHOOL
TED 717	INTRODUCTION TO INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
TED 713	COMPARATIVE EDUCATION
TED 703	INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA/RESOURCES
TED 709	SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION
TED 705	HISTORY AND POLICY OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA
GCD 702	PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING
GCD 701	MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION
TED 711	TEACHING PRACTICE
TED 701	GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
TED704	INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
TED 733	SCIENCE METHOD
EMD 701	EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION

Entry Requirement

Facilities

Career Path

After completing a degree in Early Childhood and Educational Foundations, graduates can pursue various career paths in the field of early childhood education and related areas. Here are some common career paths:

Early Childhood Teacher: 

• Graduates can work as teachers in preschools, kindergartens, or elementary schools, providing education and care for young children. They create lesson plans, facilitate learning activities, assess children's progress, and support their overall development.

Childcare Center Director: 

• Graduates with experience and leadership skills can work as directors or administrators of childcare centers. They oversee the daily operations, manage staff, develop policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards.

Curriculum Specialist: 

• Graduates can specialize in curriculum development for early childhood education. They design and develop educational materials, lesson plans, and teaching resources that align with best practices and educational standards.

Early Intervention Specialist: 

• Graduates can work with children who have developmental delays or disabilities, providing early intervention services. They assess children's needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and collaborate with families and other professionals to support children's development.

Parent Educator or Family Support Specialist: 

• Graduates can work with parents and families, providing education, guidance, and support on child development, parenting skills, and early learning strategies. They may work in community organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Program Coordinator or Administrator: 

• Graduates can work in program coordination or administration roles, overseeing early childhood education programs or initiatives. They may work in government agencies, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations, managing program implementation, evaluation, and improvement.

Early Childhood Education Consultant: 

• Graduates can work as consultants, providing expertise and guidance to early childhood programs, schools, or organizations. They may offer support in program development, curriculum design, teacher training, and quality improvement initiatives.

Research and Policy Advocate: 

• Graduates can engage in research and advocacy work related to early childhood education. They may work in research institutes, policy organizations, or government agencies, conducting research, analyzing data, and advocating for policies that promote quality early childhood education.

Educational Writer or Content Developer: 

• Graduates with strong writing skills can work as educational writers or content developers, creating educational materials, articles, or resources for early childhood education publications, websites, or companies.

Further Education and Academia: 

• Graduates interested in research or teaching at the university level can pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master's or Ph.D., and work as professors or researchers in early childhood education departments.

These career paths offer opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of young children, contribute to their educational development, and support families and communities in fostering healthy early childhood experiences. Continuous professional development, staying updated with research and best practices in early childhood education, and building strong relationships with families and communities are crucial for success in these careers.

Supervisor(s)

Fees

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